Influence of deep cryogenic treatment on performance of cemented carbide (WC-Co) inserts during dry end milling of maraging steel

Cryogenic treatment has developed as a technique to improve the life of the cutting tool, especially tungsten carbide inserts. The present study investigates the effect of cryogenic treatment of cemented carbide (WC-Co) inserts at the different soaking period of 18 h (CT-18), 24 h (CT-24) and 32 h (CT-32) at a sub-zero temperature of -196 degrees C. The soaking period plays a crucial role in improving the wear resistance of the cryogenically treated tools. It is vital to determine the critical soaking period for the cryogenic treatment of cemented carbides. The mechanical and metallurgical characterization of cryogenically treated cemented carbide insert is carried out to understand the changes in the microstructure, grain size, chemical composition, microhardness and electrical conductivity after cryogenic treatment. The end milling experiments on maraging steel under dry environment are carried out using cryogenically treated inserts at different holding time and untreated inserts (UT). The machining performance of treated and untreated inserts are compared with respect to tool wear, surface roughness and cutting forces. The results revealed that cryogenic treatment is effective in resisting tool wear even at high spindle speeds. The cryogenically treated inserts exhibited higher tool life, better surface finish and lower cutting forces during machining at different spindle speeds. The optimum soaking time for cryogenic treatment of WC-Co inserts is found to be 24 h (CT-24) beyond which there is no improvement in microhardness and wear resistance.